Fire!

Roasting Marshmallows

Hannah likes the fire.

Music

Thanks to Katie for posting music. I wondered how to do this and figured it out by looking at your blog. I made a pick quick of a song I really like. I need to look around on songarea a little more and see what all of my choices are.

More Grown Up Than I Thought

I spent a large part of this morning going through "baby" toys in Hannah's room so that I could make room for newer "big girl" toys and better organize things in general. I expected great interference and difficulty from Hannah when she realized that I was packing away her toys. Just the opposite happened. She helped greatly in picking out toys that she no longer played with. We talked about some other babies who we might like to give them too, and she seemed excited about that. I can't believe how much stuff I had crammed into her room that she hasn't played with in well over a year. I guess I was just hesitant to pack it away; maybe keeping it out kept her my baby for longer. I think I will like it much better once I get everything put back in a place. Of course, organizing one room makes me realize how unorganized other rooms are. I plan to try and tackle some of the mess in the boys' room tomorrow. That will be a much bigger project. Their room is small for two kids, so anything I can get rid of and better organize will help greatly. I may have to watch a couple of episodes of Clean Sweep to get myself in the appropriate mood.

The Day After

Christmas morning has come and gone. The kids all had a lovely time opening presents. Hannah smiled huge with every single gift - even each little piece of candy in her stocking. Her big gift was a Little Tykes kitchen; she's already cooked up several interesting dishes. The boys got a Wii. We were a little concerned with getting them a Wii - - would they play it ALL the time? would they be ok with not getting any other presents because it would be their only gift? We decided to go for it. My older sister has one, and the boys have loved playing with hers. We also thought it would be something we could do as a family. So far, we've all had great fun playing it. I'm actually even sore from playing bowling and tennis. Maybe it will help me to exercise! They're coming out with a new game called Wii Exercise sometime in January. I may have to get it!

Christmas Letter 2007

Dear Friends -

Christmas is fast approaching. I can hardly believe that it's December already as this fall has flown by so quickly. Our family is anticipating a joyous and restful holiday at home. I am particularly looking forward to some quiet evenings away from the hustle and bustle of school, parties, church activities, and endless errands.

The 2007 year has been a good one for the Huneycutts. We have enjoyed becoming increasingly involved with our church and are so grateful that our new pastor has brought energy and excitement back to UBC. I still sing in the choir, and the boys sing in children’s choir. I lead Kindergarten choir (where Samuel is) as well. The boys also participate in the AWANA program. UBC has resumed the Wednesday night meal for the first time in a number of years, and we enjoy being a part of that.

I am still teaching at McNair Middle School in Fayetteville; this is year fifteen! I am still doing seventh grade social studies. I started graduate school this fall in order to get a master’s degree in gifted education. I am hoping to eventually switch to a GT classroom in the district when a position comes available.

John is teaching in Siloam Springs - - 6th grade science. This summer, he was chosen to attend the Keystone Institute, a special training program for science teachers in Colorado. He enjoyed a week in the Rockies, going on several hikes and getting to go white water rafting.

Jacob is in the 3rd grade. He loves going to school and is still especially interested in all forms of weather. He has more than one weather radio and is the first one to check the forecast everyday. Samuel started kindergarten this year. He is in the same class with his best friend from pre-school, which makes his day more fun for him (maybe not for his teacher, though). Samuel loves sports and tosses almost anything into the air to play catch. He played soccer this fall but really wants to play football. Both boys cheered for Darren McFadden and the Razorbacks all season long.

Hannah is now three. She is definitely the princess of the family. It’s amazing how different girls are from boys! She is picky about her clothes, wags around dolls, loves to play dress up, and is quite dramatic about most everything. She had her tonsils out in August (quite the ordeal!) but has been doing great since.

We still enjoy camping and spent several weeks this summer camping in Colorado. We hope to make a trip to the New England area – maybe even Canada – this next summer if our schedule allows.
Please keep up posted on your family adventures. We love hearing from each of you, especially at Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

John, Carol, Jacob, Samuel, and Hannah Huneycutt